Information design
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Information design has been defined as the art and science of preparing information so that it can be used by human beings with efficiency and effectiveness (Jacobson 2000).
Information design has often been seen as a subset of, or synonym for graphic design or Information graphics and it is often taught as part of graphic design courses. However, there are two key differences between graphic design and information design. First, because effectiveness is critical, information designers argue for their solutions primarily in terms of effectiveness, and engage routinely in testing and user modeling. Second, information design recognizes and uses a broad range of communication modes and channels, not just graphic ones, and language plays a central role. Information designers are as likely to have their roots in applied linguistics or technical writing, as in graphic design.[citation needed]
In computer science and information technology, information design is sometimes a rough synonym for (but is not necessarily the same discipline as) information architecture, the design of information systems, databases, or data structures. This sense includes data modelling and process analysis.
[edit] Channels and document types
[edit] Audiences
The audiences that Information Designers cater to may be very broad (for example, the signs in airports are for everybody), or very specific - for example, information documents such as telephone bills may personalized for individual customers using segmentation and information management techniques and technologies similar to those used in direct marketing.
A common characteristic of information design projects is an attempt to create or reinforce trust between users and design artifacts. These artifacts are associated with increased responsibility, such as medicine packaging inserts, operational instructions for industrial machinery, or information provided for use in emergencies. In other words, the audience has a reliance on the information conveyed. For information designers, this means they have an unusual level of power over their audiences compared to other designers, and "with great power comes great responsibility". The increased responsibility for their work means information designers require accountability, and this is developed through measurable user testing of design artifacts.
The power relationship between information designers and their clients is also different from that of graphic designers. Information designers seek to serve both the interests their clients and their clients' audiences, often advocating for the audience when their interests conflict with the clients.
[edit] Competencies
Information design involves a wide range of competencies, seldom seen in a single person. Information designers tend to work in teams with specialists and other information designers on information products. The list here is indicative rather than prescriptive or fully descriptive.
In the United States, information designers are often graphic designers who specialize in websites. This is not true in the rest of the world, where the information design skillset may make Americans think of information architecture.
[edit] Research
Using, commissioning, co-ordinating and understanding research. All design involves research as an initial stage. Information design research is likely to involve some or all of:
- business process investigation and analysis
- qualitative and quantitative user research
- reference to existing academic research (e.g., ergonomics, cognitive and perceptual psychology)
- craft knowledge: what has been tried before.
[edit] Transformation
Using words, diagrams, type and sequencing to restructure messages so that they tell a story more effectively.
[edit] Writing for clear communication
Writing and/or editing to make messages clear, unambiguous and understandable by their intended audience(s).
[edit] Graphic and typographic design
Designing the appearance of an information product so that users can find what they want and understand it when they get there.
[edit] Information visualisation
Creating graphic displays which turn data into lucid information.
[edit] Prototyping
Understanding how to make preliminary visualizations, models and prototypes which allow discussion and useful testing.
[edit] Testing
Understanding the range of techniques available for testing prototype and finished information products with their intended audiences. There are a wide range of techniques available, which vary according to the media used and the intended process and audience(s). The ability to select and manage suitable methods in particular projects.
[edit] Co-ordination
The ability to work well with a range of specialisms and to act as 'professional amateur' in such teams, representing the user.
[edit] Accessibility
Understanding what accessibility means for an intended audience. The ability to assess risk realistically. Information design is actually all about accessibility in the wider sense.
[edit] Specification
Understanding chosen production media and processes. The ability to specify to production specialists in a wide range of industries (print, video, software, web, product manufacturers) clearly and efficiently.
Mark Barratt 19:44, 1 April 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Knowledge base
[edit] Typical applications
Information design is relevant to a very wide range of applications and document genres, using a variety of channels or modes of communication.
Information design affects our everyday lives, and well-being. In fact the cost of information failure can often be quantified and used to build the business case for improvement. At worst, information design failure can lead to loss of life, as when medical or safety information is misunderstood.
[edit] Financial information
Bills and statements; forms; tax information; benefits and social security information; banking informaiton (product information, statements, online banking, ATM interfaces, etc); pensions and investment information; insurance information
[edit] Administrative documents
Forms; terms and conditions; contracts; policy and procedure manuals; licenses/passorts/ID cards
[edit] Medical and pharmaceutical information
Medicine labelling; Patient Information Leaflets; instructions and labelling on medical equipment/supplies
[edit] Food and health
Food labelling, including nutrition and ingredients information; recipes; preparation instructions on packaged meals; health advice and education; health warnings; diet and nutrition models.
[edit] Products and technology
User guides; maintenance manuals; price lists and tariffs; assembly instructions; packaging; safety warning labels and notices
[edit] Computers and information technology
Interfaces; user guides; product packaging; mobile phone/PDA interfaces
[edit] Retail information
In store/on shelf signs; online shopping sites; customer information and buyers' guides; catalogues
[edit] Travel and transport
Maps; guidebooks; timetables; road signs and markings; traffic info displays or sites; travel comparison/review sites
[edit] Wayfinding
Signs; names; maps; spoken and written directions; architectural features and landmarks
[edit] Reference books
Dictionaries; encyclopedias; yearbooks; specialist reference books (eg, pharmacopoeia, thesauruses; concordances)
[edit] General and personal information
Phone directories; Yellow Pages and similar directories; What's-on guides; TV guides
[edit] Education and training
Textbooks and course material, training manuals, interactive training
[edit] References
- Jacobson, R. editor (2000) "Information Design: The Emergence of a New Profession", Information Design, MIT Press, p. 15.
